Higher taxes for diesel and petrol engines?

For some months now, motorists have had to cope with higher fuel prices, among other things. Now, further costs could be added. At the end of August, the temporary reduction of the energy tax and the associated fuel rebate are to come to an end, after which the government will weigh raising the motor vehicle tax for cars with internal combustion engines.  

Various media reported on this and seem to be correct. So far, the ministries have not voiced any opposition to a reformulation of the motor vehicle tax. The Ministry of Finance, which is responsible for taxes, has even responded more openly. Admittedly, the ministry admits that the negotiations on climate protection regulations have not yet been concluded. But Stefan Gelbhaar (Greens) already confirms that an increase in vehicle tax could be among the possible instruments of the package. "The federal government is working on an overall package to achieve the legal climate protection goals," said the party's transport policy spokesman. "Since more rather than less climate-damaging greenhouse gases have been emitted in the transport sector in recent years, it is precisely here that effective measures must be taken," he continued.  

The argument is namely based on the polluter pays principle, which is often "used as a basis for measures in matters of climate protection" and is often also perceived as fair among citizens. The bottom line is that this is a tightening of the basic rule already followed in the case of motor vehicle tax, i.e. that the state takes more action in the case of cars with a larger engine capacity or higher fuel consumption. According to the possible tax increase, those who will contribute more to air pollution with their cars will also pay more for it. Similar arguments are already cropping up in other areas of transport policy. According to a recent decision by the district court in Frankfurt, those who pose a greater danger to the safety of the population or to the environment when violating road traffic regulations could have to pay heftier fines in the future.  

This should lead to a reduction in the number of traffic violations, as well as to a redistribution of responsibility among motorists and to at least partial relief of the environment in the process. A consumer-based increase in motor vehicle tax should have a similar effect. In fact, this is supposed to set in motion a mechanism that will encourage more and more motorists to give up heavy cars with powerful engines. Instead, drivers will choose smaller models that consume less and consequently pollute less. The hope of the politicians is also that the tax increase will give a positive impulse to mobility electrification and therefore lead to rising purchase rates for electric cars.  

Should the government really dare and order an increase in vehicle tax for petrol and diesel cars, Germany could perhaps move one step closer to a greener future. Other instruments, however, would be necessary to reshape transport policy in a more sustainable way. Greater promotion of public transport, as well as development of the environmental zoning system, continue to be considered among the most effective measures in the fight against climate change.